Synonym Chooser

How does the noun culmination differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of culmination are acme, apex, climax, peak, pinnacle, and summit. While all these words mean "the highest point attained or attainable," culmination suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective.

the culmination of years of effort

When would acme be a good substitute for culmination?

The synonyms acme and culmination are sometimes interchangeable, but acme implies a level of quality representing the perfection of a thing.

a statue that was once deemed the acme of beauty

Where would apex be a reasonable alternative to culmination?

The meanings of apex and culmination largely overlap; however, apex implies the point where all ascending lines converge.

the apex of Dutch culture

When is it sensible to use climax instead of culmination?

The words climax and culmination are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, climax implies the highest point in an ascending series.

the war was the climax to a series of hostile actions

When could peak be used to replace culmination?

The words peak and culmination can be used in similar contexts, but peak suggests the highest among other high points.

an artist working at the peak of her powers

When might pinnacle be a better fit than culmination?

Although the words pinnacle and culmination have much in common, pinnacle suggests a dizzying and often insecure height.

the pinnacle of worldly success

When can summit be used instead of culmination?

While in some cases nearly identical to culmination, summit implies the topmost level attainable.

at the summit of the Victorian social scene

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of culmination The movie’s success is the culmination of a career that’s seen Baker make the most of shoestring budgets and film whole movies on an iPhone. David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2025 The victory lap was the culmination of a remarkable four years that saw voters boot Trump from office, only to take him back in 2024, this time more determined to remake America in his image. Zac Anderson, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025 The attack was the culmination of a confrontation that began earlier when witnesses say the teens hit the man’s vehicle, police said. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2025 Getting to the Champions League would be the culmination of a meteoric rise. James Pearce, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for culmination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for culmination
Noun
  • For many people, going to Harvard University is the pinnacle of education, but in reality, less than four percent of applicants get accepted into the prestigious Ivy League school.
    Alyce Collins, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
  • An elite teenage athlete like Malinin ends up making trade offs in order to reach the pinnacle of his sport.
    Tim Genske, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The ideal time for Feige to seize the Star Wars empire’s throne was after the mic drop that was two back-to-back blockbuster Avengers movies (2018’s Infinity War and 2019’s Endgame), back when Marvel was at a zenith.
    James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 2025
  • And there have always been wineries that hold back a premium vintage longer than usual before releasing, waiting until a wine nears its zenith to be offered.
    Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Such shakeups should make for an exciting night, as there aren’t many sure things at the top of the ballot.
    Chris Dobstaff, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Boise’s higher median income and scores in other categories secured its place at the top.
    Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The structure of its web varies throughout the year, with changes in its angle, height above the ground, line density and magnetic orientation, all influenced by seasonal shifts.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The stand aside, this monitor has ample tilt, height, and swivel adjustments at the ready.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The core motion module is capable of a maximum joint torque of 300 N·m, a peak torque density of 203 N·m/kg, and exceptional mobility with a walking speed of 2 m/s, along with a natural human-like gait.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 8 Mar. 2025
  • And this measured approach hasn’t softened prices across the board: the county remains a seller’s market, and overall luxury values remain near historic peaks.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Higher, faster, changing keys, breaking off into riffs and climaxes.
    Anelise Chen, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2025
  • The melodies exude charm; the harmonic design mirrors the changing moods of the plot; the climaxes are surely plotted.
    Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Ancient apex carnivores Hyaenodonta fossils have been found across North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.
    Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 17 Feb. 2025
  • The film’s comedic apex arguably arrives when Coppola tosses in a quick shot of the villainous Clodio Pulcher (Shia LaBeouf) power walking across marble floors, three henchmen in tow.
    Vulture Staff, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Culmination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/culmination. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on culmination

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